IN MIAMI, THE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS AT THE PERAZZO LAW FIRM PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY ANIMALS ON ROADWAYS.
It’s not uncommon for stray dogs, alligators, or other animals to suddenly appear on busy avenues, residential streets, or even major highways across Miami. When a dog, cat, alligator, or any other land animal finds its way onto the roadway, motorists are often forced to make split-second decisions—either striking the animal or making a risky swerve to avoid it. While running over an animal may sometimes be the safest option, swerving can result in a dangerous collision with another vehicle or cause inexperienced drivers to lose control and crash. At high speeds, swerving or sudden braking may lead to a rollover accident, resulting in severe personal injury or even death.
What to Do If You Encounter an Animal on the Road
- Activate your hazard lights and slow down, first checking your rearview and side mirrors to ensure it’s safe to brake or change lanes.
- If possible, come to a complete stop only if it’s safe to do so and allow the animal to exit the roadway.
- Never get out of your vehicle on a busy road; exiting can put your life in jeopardy, especially with distracted drivers nearby.
- If stopping or changing lanes isn’t safe, you may have to proceed forward, aiming to avoid hitting the animal with your tires when possible.
- For larger animals or multiple animals, contact local authorities immediately to report the hazard.
Common Animals Involved in Miami Roadway Accidents
- Alligators: Alligators often cross roadways near canals or wetlands and can cause major accidents due to their size and strength.
- Dogs: Stray or lost dogs are frequently seen darting across Miami streets, startling drivers and sometimes causing sudden swerving.
- Cats: Cats often hide under or near parked cars and can unexpectedly run onto busy roads, especially at night.
- Raccoons: Raccoons are most active at dusk and dawn, and their unpredictable movements can lead to abrupt stops or swerves.
- Armadillos: Armadillos are slow-moving and low to the ground, making them hard to spot until it’s too late.
- Snakes: Snakes sometimes slither across sun-warmed roadways, surprising motorists and potentially causing loss of control if drivers overreact.
- Possums: Possums often freeze in the middle of the road when confronted by headlights, increasing the risk of being struck.
- Deer: While less common in urban Miami, deer can be found near parks and green spaces, and a collision with one can cause serious damage.
- Birds: Birds may swoop low over roads, and sudden attempts to avoid them can distract drivers or lead to minor accidents.
If you, a friend, or a loved one was involved in a crash due to an animal on the road, don’t wait—contact the Perazzo Law Firm NOW for a FREE initial consultation with a trusted Miami car accident lawyer. We’ll help you understand your rights and discuss possible insurance claims for compensation after an animal-related accident.